CHAN 2024 delivers drama as Cranes rewrite the script

The 8th edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has raised the bar as arguably the most entertaining tournament since its inception in 2009 in Côte d’Ivoire.

Uganda’s Cranes have made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time ever, and now turn their focus to eliminating defending champions Senegal this Saturday, August 23.

Vision Sport breaks down the numbers behind this year’s thrilling CHAN campaign.

Goals Galore: 74 and Counting

A total of 74 goals have been scored across 36 group-stage matches, with Uganda’s Group C and Kenya’s Group A leading the charts at 22 goals each. Tanzania’s Group B follows with 19, while Senegal’s Group D trails with just 11.

Uganda and Morocco Lead the Scoring Charts

Uganda and Morocco finished the group phase tied for most goals scored, eight apiece. For the Cranes, this marks a dramatic turnaround from previous CHAN editions, where goals were hard to come by. Uganda had managed just 13 goals across six prior tournaments, including single-goal campaigns in 2011 and 2018.

Okello’s Golden Boot Charge

Allan Okello has emerged as Uganda’s top scorer, netting three goals, all from the penalty spot. The Vipers SC forward, who led the Uganda Premier League scoring charts last season with 19 goals, is now joint top in the CHAN Golden Boot race alongside Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui and South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela.

Penalty Drama Defines the Tournament

Eleven penalties have been awarded so far, roughly one every three matches. Uganda leads the count with four, followed by Burkina Faso with two.

The first came against Guinea, when Okello was fouled and Libya’s referee Abdulrazg Ahmed pointed to the spot.

The second was awarded after a VAR review in the match against Niger, with Mali’s referee Ousmanne Diakate confirming a foul on Reagan Mpande.

The final two, awarded by Burkina Faso’s Vincent Kabore in stoppage time against South Africa, sealed Uganda’s dramatic comeback and historic qualification.

Niger’s Goal Drought

Despite gritty performances and draws against Algeria and South Africa, Niger exited the tournament without scoring a single goal, setting an unfortunate record.

Zambia’s Defensive Collapse

Avram Grant’s Zambia endured a nightmare campaign, conceding eight goals, the most in the group stage—and finishing with zero points. The former Chelsea manager’s side was the only team to exit without a win or draw.

Uganda’s Pamoja Pedigree

Among the co-hosts, Uganda boasts the most CHAN appearances, seven in total (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2025). Tanzania follows with three (2009, 2020, and 2025), while Kenya are debutants.

Hosting Breakdown

Tanzania hosted the most group-stage matches (16), followed by Kenya (11). Uganda hosted nine, with one Group C fixture—Algeria vs. Niger relocated to Kenya’s Nyayo Stadium due to logistical adjustments.

CHAN 2025 has already delivered unforgettable moments, and with Uganda’s Cranes flying high, the knockout rounds promise even more drama. The ceiling has been lifted—and East Africa is ready to soar.
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